Campus buildings to be used for COVID-19 first responders, quarantine

Campus buildings will be used as a place for first responders to take a break from work, or quarantine themselves as their families stay “healthy at home” during the pandemic, according to an email from President Ashish Vaidya.

The Honors House is being set up for first responders to take breaks from work without having to go home, and should be ready Friday morning to serve 40 first responders.

Northern Terrance is also being prepared as a site to quarantine first responders who may have been exposed to the virus. The building can safely serve 100 people and is expected to be ready early next week.

NKU Dining Services will provide meals for those using University facilities, and delivery will be coordinated through the County Emergency Management team.

According to Vaidya, there are early discussions with St. Elizabeth to convert BB&T Arena into a 200-bed hospital facility if there is a need for overflow space, with the plan going into effect near the end of April, and the arena serving that need through June.

“As I have said before—during times of crisis, our true colors show. I am proud that NKU is stepping up in so many ways as a leader in the fight against COVID-19. Whether it is the College of Health and Human Services or individual faculty and staff donating personal protective equipment and ventilators to local hospitals, or our students navigating the virtual classroom to stay “healthy at home,” we are all doing our part. Regional stewardship is a vital piece of our history, and the COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the importance of that role. Throughout the pandemic, NKU has remained a resource for the community— ready and able to assist in keeping our region safe and healthy,” Vaidya said.